i'm really encouraged that we can avoid this fiscal cliff for a number of reasons. first of all, there is a growing group of republicans who say we really need to raise revenue, not just talk about raising revenue, but actually increase taxes on the wealthiest 2%. and they're willing to consider those kinds of taxes that the president proposed so that middle-class americans, the 98%, will not see any taxes. and second i'm encouraged because some of the businesses, in fact a growing number of businesses, moderate and constructively, are proposing that the president's plan make sense. but the major developments that really for the republicans to come forward with some of their specifics. and specific terms, and proposals if they say they want to avoid these tax increases. they need to be more specific. on how to do it. >> you keep using the word encourage and i'll read you some other words that have come from lindsey graham. he said it's a joke. it's not serious. and it, you know, you might be encouraged but treasury secretary geithner did not seem all that encouraged